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- Thread starter chandikagunawardhana
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A method to Sri Lanka's uniqueness
Kumar Sangakkara doesn't strike you as the kind of man who leaves much to chance. In most things he does, there is method. Even his batting, pretty as some of it is, is thoughtfully constructed, bit by bit, run by run. He is neither flashy nor a grinder, but instead an accumulator, working on solid percentages. He speaks publicly as he bats: articulate, well-planned, polished, safe, mostly platitudes, very occasionally spicy. If that's your kind of thing and cricket is a brand, then he is its spokesperson.
Sri Lanka don't have the madness of a Pakistan that needs method brought to it, but there has always been to their cricket, a spontaneity and uniqueness, an element of the unplanned or untrained. Sangakkara, a worldly character, less than a year into a role he seems like he has been doing all his life or at least preparing for, is trying something. The sense is that he is trying to bring different worlds into Sri Lanka's game; maybe the preparedness of teams such as Australia and South Africa, or their ruthlessness and focus.
If nothing else, he is bringing their new world jargon and thought. When asked about his side's ODI form going into the Champions Trophy opener against the hosts and the world's top side, Sangakkara spoke of processes and journeys. "Every game we play, every tournament we go into, we are building towards a goal and this is another step in that journey," Sangakkara said. "This is a very important tournament and we're trying to win it but for that you've got to get the processes right in training and the meeting room and we've gone a long way towards doing that." A double take revealed that neither Greg Chappell nor Rahul Dravid were at the mic.
Yet imagine how frightening a prospect Sri Lanka could be, if their talent absorbed the ethos of an Australian side? True it might come at the cost of something indigenous - all globalisation's collateral damage - but hopefully not so much to make it unrecognisable. Nobody, after all, wants to see the core of a Malinga or Mendis or Muralitharan diluted.
As it is their side is bursting with enough talent to loan out to England, West Indies and an associate or ten. After years of spin, they have a substantial pace attack, in which many bases are covered. They've got the form player in world cricket at the moment, in Tillakaratne Dilshan. Angelo Mathews may look ordinary but keeps doing things that are not so, and the old hands of Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and the captain himself are around, steadying things up. Farveez Maharoof and Dilhara Fernando are so last season (and not here) and they always do without the world's smoothest wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene in their ODI side.
Throw in the world's best spinner, one of the world's most promising spinners, an ark-full of part-time bowling options and the subcontinent's best fielders and how surprised would you really be if they won, not just tomorrow, but the whole shebang?
Sangakkara downplayed the prospects, claiming Sri Lanka were the underdogs for the opener. "A game's a game and it doesn't matter who the opposition is. But it's nice, because we've come here as underdogs in this game and they (South Africa) have got a major tournament to start, to kick off in front of their fans and the pressure is really on them. We've just got to go and face the challenges, stay low on the radar, let everyone else and the fans concentrate on South Africa. We know they are a good side but we've beaten them in a World Cup before, in South Africa as well."
Clever, smart; of course he would downplay his side, for he is too knowing not to. In this light, conceivably losing both their warm-up games might also be part of some elaborate bit of kidology. Don't be fooled. Sangakkara knows what he is doing and where he is going. So too does his team.
Kumar Sangakkara doesn't strike you as the kind of man who leaves much to chance. In most things he does, there is method. Even his batting, pretty as some of it is, is thoughtfully constructed, bit by bit, run by run. He is neither flashy nor a grinder, but instead an accumulator, working on solid percentages. He speaks publicly as he bats: articulate, well-planned, polished, safe, mostly platitudes, very occasionally spicy. If that's your kind of thing and cricket is a brand, then he is its spokesperson.
Sri Lanka don't have the madness of a Pakistan that needs method brought to it, but there has always been to their cricket, a spontaneity and uniqueness, an element of the unplanned or untrained. Sangakkara, a worldly character, less than a year into a role he seems like he has been doing all his life or at least preparing for, is trying something. The sense is that he is trying to bring different worlds into Sri Lanka's game; maybe the preparedness of teams such as Australia and South Africa, or their ruthlessness and focus.
If nothing else, he is bringing their new world jargon and thought. When asked about his side's ODI form going into the Champions Trophy opener against the hosts and the world's top side, Sangakkara spoke of processes and journeys. "Every game we play, every tournament we go into, we are building towards a goal and this is another step in that journey," Sangakkara said. "This is a very important tournament and we're trying to win it but for that you've got to get the processes right in training and the meeting room and we've gone a long way towards doing that." A double take revealed that neither Greg Chappell nor Rahul Dravid were at the mic.
Yet imagine how frightening a prospect Sri Lanka could be, if their talent absorbed the ethos of an Australian side? True it might come at the cost of something indigenous - all globalisation's collateral damage - but hopefully not so much to make it unrecognisable. Nobody, after all, wants to see the core of a Malinga or Mendis or Muralitharan diluted.
As it is their side is bursting with enough talent to loan out to England, West Indies and an associate or ten. After years of spin, they have a substantial pace attack, in which many bases are covered. They've got the form player in world cricket at the moment, in Tillakaratne Dilshan. Angelo Mathews may look ordinary but keeps doing things that are not so, and the old hands of Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and the captain himself are around, steadying things up. Farveez Maharoof and Dilhara Fernando are so last season (and not here) and they always do without the world's smoothest wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene in their ODI side.
Throw in the world's best spinner, one of the world's most promising spinners, an ark-full of part-time bowling options and the subcontinent's best fielders and how surprised would you really be if they won, not just tomorrow, but the whole shebang?
Sangakkara downplayed the prospects, claiming Sri Lanka were the underdogs for the opener. "A game's a game and it doesn't matter who the opposition is. But it's nice, because we've come here as underdogs in this game and they (South Africa) have got a major tournament to start, to kick off in front of their fans and the pressure is really on them. We've just got to go and face the challenges, stay low on the radar, let everyone else and the fans concentrate on South Africa. We know they are a good side but we've beaten them in a World Cup before, in South Africa as well."
Clever, smart; of course he would downplay his side, for he is too knowing not to. In this light, conceivably losing both their warm-up games might also be part of some elaborate bit of kidology. Don't be fooled. Sangakkara knows what he is doing and where he is going. So too does his team.
Nearly men kick off nearly tournament
Match facts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Start time 1430 (1230 GMT)
Big picture
Lack of choices can be a blessing in disguise. Hence we have potentially the best event organised by the ICC in a long while. Not entirely by design, though: there was no window for a longer tournament, there isn't even a reserve day for the final. So there was no space for flab or Super Sixes or Eights or whatever. Although Bangladesh can argue they had a better case than West Indies, few could have envisaged the political turmoil in the Caribbean when the tournament was being drawn up. As a result the preliminary groups are neither meaningless cakewalks nor so fickle that one freak loss ends the tournament for a team. Throw in the fact that the top three teams are so close to each other, the No. 1 ranking is likely to change hands more often in this tournament than the baton in a relay race. So good on the ODIs, which do with this shot in the arm.
It helps that South Africa has been the setting for memorable starts to world events. In the first match of the 2003 World Cup, Brian Lara's century helped West Indies beat South Africa by three runs in a tense finish. Four years later the ICC went to South Africa unsure if the World Twenty20 would be accepted by the audience. The same two teams, in 37.4 overs, hit all such trepidations out of the Wanderers. The possibility of an exact repeat has been ruled out by the draw, which pits Sri Lanka opening the tournament against the hosts, but a similar start is needed.
Both players in the act on Tuesday run the risk of becoming perennial best men: both have been consistent limited-overs teams for large parts of last 15 years, but only two players in each team have tasted success in an ICC event: Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan won the 1996 World Cup, and Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis won the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
Since then South Africa have lost two World Cup semi-finals, one World Twenty20 semi-final, and three Champions Trophy semi-finals. Sri Lanka haven't been that consistent, but they too have lost a World Cup final and semi-final each, a World Twenty20 final, and shared a Champions Trophy final.
Not much has changed on that front: this is another best chance for South Africa to shrug off the chokers' tag, and although Sri Lanka are not starting off as favourites it would be folly to underestimate them. So let the nearly men kick the nearly tournament off.
Form guide
(last five matches, most recent first)
South Africa - LWWWL
Forget their record in big tournaments, this is indeed South Africa's best chance in a big tournament. They are the most settled team among the eight, Australia are not what they used to be - their 6-1 win in England notwithstanding - and others generally have more issues to settle than the hosts. They last played an international match back in April. Will they be rested or rusty?
Sri Lanka - LWWLL
A new-look team trying to bring together mavericks, team players and veterans makes for interesting following. Their No. 5 ranking in ODIs should not prompt other teams to let their guard down.
Watch out for...
Dale Steyn has stated what the world knows in its heart of hearts but is not so convinced about when it comes to big tournaments. "If the team play to their potential, and this might sound cocky, I really believe no side can match us at the Champions Trophy." The world is waiting, Dale, for the "team to play to their potential".
Nuwan Kulasekara quietly became the No. 1 bowler in ODIs without many noticing, and has kept the ranking for some time now. Now he will be tested in the open and, if the conditions help swing, his accuracy, inswingers, and the odd one that goes straight could just confirm the ICC rankings.
Graeme Smith has not shied from making statements for his team, and on the first day of the tournament, with regular co-opener Herschelle Gibbs out, his team needs the leader in the front.
Kumar Sangakkara the captain has been conspicuous in trying to bring a hard edge to his skilled team, but Sangakkara the batsman last scored an ODI century in June 2008, against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka won't mind a reconciliation of the two Sangakkaras.
Team news
Either Hashim Amla or Kallis will have to step up to open with Smith in Gibbs' absence, due to a rib injury that has him out of the first match. It probably won't hurt the middle order, which looks settled - only Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher could be needed earlier than usual. The three most likely to sit out are Gibbs, Robin Peterson and Lonwabo Tsotsobe. Expect a toss-up between Roelof van der Merwe and Wayne Parnell for the final position.
South Africa (probable) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Mark Boucher (wk), 7 Albie Morkel, 8 Roelof van der Merwe/Wayne Parnell, 9 Johan Botha, 10 Makhaya Ntini, 11 Dale Steyn.
Murali should be fit to take the field now. After the tri-series final that Sri Lanka lost to India, Sangakkara had said Murali was fit but they didn't want to risk him before the Champions Trophy. Whose place will he take if he plays is an interesting question. Unless it is a rank turner, Ajantha Mendis should be the man most likely to sit out.
Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Thilina Kandamby, 6 Chamara Kapugedera, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Muttiah Muralitharan, 11 Lasith Malinga.
Stats and trivia
o South Africa lead 5-1 head-to-head on Sri Lanka in ICC events. They lost to Sri Lanka in the 1992 World Cup, and tied with them in 2003, but have won all other encounters.
o Murali, with 23 wickets, is the highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history.
o Sangakkara, with 22 catches and four stumpings, leads the dismissals table for wicketkeepers.
Quotes
"Our team has a lot of variety. We have got a left-armer, we have got pace, we have got allrounders and we have got spin. It is nice as a captain to have so many options."
Graeme Smith likes what he sees when he casts an eye over South Africa's squad.
"A game's a game and it doesn't matter who the opposition is. But it's nice, because we've come here as underdogs in this game and they [South Africa] have got a major tournament to start, to kick off in front of their fans and the pressure is really on them."
Kumar Sangakkara plays a mind game or three.
Match facts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Start time 1430 (1230 GMT)
Big picture
Lack of choices can be a blessing in disguise. Hence we have potentially the best event organised by the ICC in a long while. Not entirely by design, though: there was no window for a longer tournament, there isn't even a reserve day for the final. So there was no space for flab or Super Sixes or Eights or whatever. Although Bangladesh can argue they had a better case than West Indies, few could have envisaged the political turmoil in the Caribbean when the tournament was being drawn up. As a result the preliminary groups are neither meaningless cakewalks nor so fickle that one freak loss ends the tournament for a team. Throw in the fact that the top three teams are so close to each other, the No. 1 ranking is likely to change hands more often in this tournament than the baton in a relay race. So good on the ODIs, which do with this shot in the arm.
It helps that South Africa has been the setting for memorable starts to world events. In the first match of the 2003 World Cup, Brian Lara's century helped West Indies beat South Africa by three runs in a tense finish. Four years later the ICC went to South Africa unsure if the World Twenty20 would be accepted by the audience. The same two teams, in 37.4 overs, hit all such trepidations out of the Wanderers. The possibility of an exact repeat has been ruled out by the draw, which pits Sri Lanka opening the tournament against the hosts, but a similar start is needed.
Both players in the act on Tuesday run the risk of becoming perennial best men: both have been consistent limited-overs teams for large parts of last 15 years, but only two players in each team have tasted success in an ICC event: Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan won the 1996 World Cup, and Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis won the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998.
Since then South Africa have lost two World Cup semi-finals, one World Twenty20 semi-final, and three Champions Trophy semi-finals. Sri Lanka haven't been that consistent, but they too have lost a World Cup final and semi-final each, a World Twenty20 final, and shared a Champions Trophy final.
Not much has changed on that front: this is another best chance for South Africa to shrug off the chokers' tag, and although Sri Lanka are not starting off as favourites it would be folly to underestimate them. So let the nearly men kick the nearly tournament off.
Form guide
(last five matches, most recent first)
South Africa - LWWWL
Forget their record in big tournaments, this is indeed South Africa's best chance in a big tournament. They are the most settled team among the eight, Australia are not what they used to be - their 6-1 win in England notwithstanding - and others generally have more issues to settle than the hosts. They last played an international match back in April. Will they be rested or rusty?
Sri Lanka - LWWLL
A new-look team trying to bring together mavericks, team players and veterans makes for interesting following. Their No. 5 ranking in ODIs should not prompt other teams to let their guard down.
Watch out for...
Dale Steyn has stated what the world knows in its heart of hearts but is not so convinced about when it comes to big tournaments. "If the team play to their potential, and this might sound cocky, I really believe no side can match us at the Champions Trophy." The world is waiting, Dale, for the "team to play to their potential".
Nuwan Kulasekara quietly became the No. 1 bowler in ODIs without many noticing, and has kept the ranking for some time now. Now he will be tested in the open and, if the conditions help swing, his accuracy, inswingers, and the odd one that goes straight could just confirm the ICC rankings.
Graeme Smith has not shied from making statements for his team, and on the first day of the tournament, with regular co-opener Herschelle Gibbs out, his team needs the leader in the front.
Kumar Sangakkara the captain has been conspicuous in trying to bring a hard edge to his skilled team, but Sangakkara the batsman last scored an ODI century in June 2008, against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka won't mind a reconciliation of the two Sangakkaras.
Team news
Either Hashim Amla or Kallis will have to step up to open with Smith in Gibbs' absence, due to a rib injury that has him out of the first match. It probably won't hurt the middle order, which looks settled - only Albie Morkel and Mark Boucher could be needed earlier than usual. The three most likely to sit out are Gibbs, Robin Peterson and Lonwabo Tsotsobe. Expect a toss-up between Roelof van der Merwe and Wayne Parnell for the final position.
South Africa (probable) 1 Graeme Smith (capt), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Jacques Kallis, 4 AB de Villiers, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Mark Boucher (wk), 7 Albie Morkel, 8 Roelof van der Merwe/Wayne Parnell, 9 Johan Botha, 10 Makhaya Ntini, 11 Dale Steyn.
Murali should be fit to take the field now. After the tri-series final that Sri Lanka lost to India, Sangakkara had said Murali was fit but they didn't want to risk him before the Champions Trophy. Whose place will he take if he plays is an interesting question. Unless it is a rank turner, Ajantha Mendis should be the man most likely to sit out.
Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Sanath Jayasuriya, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, 3 Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), 4 Mahela Jayawardene, 5 Thilina Kandamby, 6 Chamara Kapugedera, 7 Angelo Mathews, 8 Thilan Thushara, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Muttiah Muralitharan, 11 Lasith Malinga.
Stats and trivia
o South Africa lead 5-1 head-to-head on Sri Lanka in ICC events. They lost to Sri Lanka in the 1992 World Cup, and tied with them in 2003, but have won all other encounters.
o Murali, with 23 wickets, is the highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy history.
o Sangakkara, with 22 catches and four stumpings, leads the dismissals table for wicketkeepers.
Quotes
"Our team has a lot of variety. We have got a left-armer, we have got pace, we have got allrounders and we have got spin. It is nice as a captain to have so many options."
Graeme Smith likes what he sees when he casts an eye over South Africa's squad.
"A game's a game and it doesn't matter who the opposition is. But it's nice, because we've come here as underdogs in this game and they [South Africa] have got a major tournament to start, to kick off in front of their fans and the pressure is really on them."
Kumar Sangakkara plays a mind game or three.
‘M-factor’ gives Lions the edge
Not only Muralitharan, Mendis, Malinga and the young Angelo Mathews make Sri Lanka a formidable opponent.
With 10 victories and just five losses in a total of 17 ODIs (including two no-results in the 2002 final), Sri Lanka jointly boast of the best success rate (66.66 %) in the Champions Trophy.
There best performance was at home in 2002 when they shared the trophy with India. What is heartening to see in the current Kumar Sangakkara-led squad is that their bowling department has steadily become their strength in limited overs cricket.
Gone are the days when the bowling revolved around a probing Chaminda Vaas with the new ball and the wily Muralitharan in the middle overs. In Lasith Malinga, Lanka now have one of the most difficult pace bowlers to pick at any stage of an innings.
Murali’s genius is supplemented by the carrom-ball genius Ajantha Mendis’ hard-to-negotiate variations. And in recent times, one more M - Angelo Mathews - has made the islanders even more effective.
The young all-rounder Mathews proved his mettle with a stunning 6 for 20 against India in Colombo triseries. It only justified his growing reputation as an allrounder when he snapped three West Indian wickets in the first over of the T20 World Cup semi-final in June, 2009.
Apart from the redoubtable M-power, Lanka also have Nuwan Kulasekara, who has been ranked the No.1 ODI bowler for over 6 months. It is proof enough of what one can achieve with just military medium disciplined wicket-to-wicket bowling.
Needless to say, Sri Lanka also boast of an experienced batting line-up that has been bolstered by the inclusion of solid middle order batsmen Thilan Samaraweera (highest Test run-getter in 2009).
Sri Lanka may not have tasted too much success in South Africa but with the presence of seasoned ODI cricketers and a lethal bowling attack, the Lions cannot merely be termed as ‘dark horses’ but surely one of the prime contenders of the four semi-finals spots.
STRENGTHS
EXPLOSIVE TOP ORDER: Sri Lanka undoubtedly have four of the most destructive ODI batsmen in the world. In-form dasher Dilshan and the experienced Sanath Jayasuriya make for one of the dreaded opening pairs while seasoned stalwarts Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Kumar Sangakkara at number 3 and 4, respectively, added the top-order muscle.
ALL-ROUND BOWLING UNIT: Sri Lanka have a varied bowling attack with Malinga the ‘Slinger’, deceptive new ball bowlers in Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara, who can also move the ball both ways. Apart from that, Mathews has developed into a quality all-rounder who has the uncanny knack of picking up crucial wickets. Not to forget the spin twins – Muralitharan and Mendis.
FIELDING: The Lankan Lions have always been known as the best fielding side in the Asian subcontinent. In the recent times, thanks to the brilliance of electric fielders like Dilshan and Chamara Kapugadera, they have raised the bar and matched the fielding standards of sides like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Jayawardene is brilliant at the slips along side Sangakkara, who is undoubtedly one of the top-3 wicket keepers in world cricket today.
Got questions about your favourite team in the ICC Champions Trophy? Ask Wasim Akram. Send in your queries to [email protected]
WEAKNESSES
Though there aren’t any alarming weaknesses, Sri Lanka have a tendency to spoil the hard work done by the top order by losing wickets cheaply in the later part of the innings. At times, the Lankan batting line-up looks ‘top-heavy’ with four of their best batsmen filling the top-four batting slots. This creates a void in the middle and lower middle order and makes it look brittle with the inexperience of Thilina Kandamby and Kapugadera.
Perhaps that’s the reason why we see a test-specialist Samaraweera in the squad.
Like all champion sides, Sri Lanka are tough to beat at home but are also vulnerable when they play away from home and in seaming conditions. Also, the fresh and bouncy conditions at this time of the year in South Africa will definitely test their batting strength.
KEY PLAYERS:
Tilakaratne Dilshan: Although not as gifted as Jayasuriya or Sangakkara, Dilshan has muscled his way through to the Lankan top order after inspirational performances in the second edition of Indian Premier League in South Africa and the ICC World T20. Lately he has taken the role of the attacking opener, who goes after the bowling attack from the start not allowing the bowlers to settle down to a fixed line and length. And don’t forget his trademark ‘scoop’ shot. His fielding has always been an asset and so is his nagging off-spin.
Mahela Jayawardene: A player who relishes big matches and is pretty adept to handle any kind of bowling, Jayawardene possesses a solid mix of caution and aggression in his game that is heartening to see. Remember his match-winning knock against the Kiwis in the 2007 World Cup semi-final? He has a total of 411 runs in the 15 matches and has a Champions Trophy average of 34.25.
Muttiah Muralitharan: Undoubtedly one of the best spin bowlers in the world in any form of cricket, Muralitharan, continues to torment the best of batsmen with the turn and zip in his deliveries. Murali is overall the highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy with a total of 23 wickets at a bowling average of 16.43 and a best of 4 for 16.
FULL SQUAD: Kumar Sangakkara (captain & wicket-keeper) Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Dammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilina Kandamby, Thilan Thushara, Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga.
Not only Muralitharan, Mendis, Malinga and the young Angelo Mathews make Sri Lanka a formidable opponent.
With 10 victories and just five losses in a total of 17 ODIs (including two no-results in the 2002 final), Sri Lanka jointly boast of the best success rate (66.66 %) in the Champions Trophy.
There best performance was at home in 2002 when they shared the trophy with India. What is heartening to see in the current Kumar Sangakkara-led squad is that their bowling department has steadily become their strength in limited overs cricket.
Gone are the days when the bowling revolved around a probing Chaminda Vaas with the new ball and the wily Muralitharan in the middle overs. In Lasith Malinga, Lanka now have one of the most difficult pace bowlers to pick at any stage of an innings.
Murali’s genius is supplemented by the carrom-ball genius Ajantha Mendis’ hard-to-negotiate variations. And in recent times, one more M - Angelo Mathews - has made the islanders even more effective.
The young all-rounder Mathews proved his mettle with a stunning 6 for 20 against India in Colombo triseries. It only justified his growing reputation as an allrounder when he snapped three West Indian wickets in the first over of the T20 World Cup semi-final in June, 2009.
Apart from the redoubtable M-power, Lanka also have Nuwan Kulasekara, who has been ranked the No.1 ODI bowler for over 6 months. It is proof enough of what one can achieve with just military medium disciplined wicket-to-wicket bowling.
Needless to say, Sri Lanka also boast of an experienced batting line-up that has been bolstered by the inclusion of solid middle order batsmen Thilan Samaraweera (highest Test run-getter in 2009).
Sri Lanka may not have tasted too much success in South Africa but with the presence of seasoned ODI cricketers and a lethal bowling attack, the Lions cannot merely be termed as ‘dark horses’ but surely one of the prime contenders of the four semi-finals spots.
STRENGTHS
EXPLOSIVE TOP ORDER: Sri Lanka undoubtedly have four of the most destructive ODI batsmen in the world. In-form dasher Dilshan and the experienced Sanath Jayasuriya make for one of the dreaded opening pairs while seasoned stalwarts Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Kumar Sangakkara at number 3 and 4, respectively, added the top-order muscle.
ALL-ROUND BOWLING UNIT: Sri Lanka have a varied bowling attack with Malinga the ‘Slinger’, deceptive new ball bowlers in Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara, who can also move the ball both ways. Apart from that, Mathews has developed into a quality all-rounder who has the uncanny knack of picking up crucial wickets. Not to forget the spin twins – Muralitharan and Mendis.
FIELDING: The Lankan Lions have always been known as the best fielding side in the Asian subcontinent. In the recent times, thanks to the brilliance of electric fielders like Dilshan and Chamara Kapugadera, they have raised the bar and matched the fielding standards of sides like Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. Jayawardene is brilliant at the slips along side Sangakkara, who is undoubtedly one of the top-3 wicket keepers in world cricket today.
Got questions about your favourite team in the ICC Champions Trophy? Ask Wasim Akram. Send in your queries to [email protected]
WEAKNESSES
Though there aren’t any alarming weaknesses, Sri Lanka have a tendency to spoil the hard work done by the top order by losing wickets cheaply in the later part of the innings. At times, the Lankan batting line-up looks ‘top-heavy’ with four of their best batsmen filling the top-four batting slots. This creates a void in the middle and lower middle order and makes it look brittle with the inexperience of Thilina Kandamby and Kapugadera.
Perhaps that’s the reason why we see a test-specialist Samaraweera in the squad.
Like all champion sides, Sri Lanka are tough to beat at home but are also vulnerable when they play away from home and in seaming conditions. Also, the fresh and bouncy conditions at this time of the year in South Africa will definitely test their batting strength.
KEY PLAYERS:
Tilakaratne Dilshan: Although not as gifted as Jayasuriya or Sangakkara, Dilshan has muscled his way through to the Lankan top order after inspirational performances in the second edition of Indian Premier League in South Africa and the ICC World T20. Lately he has taken the role of the attacking opener, who goes after the bowling attack from the start not allowing the bowlers to settle down to a fixed line and length. And don’t forget his trademark ‘scoop’ shot. His fielding has always been an asset and so is his nagging off-spin.
Mahela Jayawardene: A player who relishes big matches and is pretty adept to handle any kind of bowling, Jayawardene possesses a solid mix of caution and aggression in his game that is heartening to see. Remember his match-winning knock against the Kiwis in the 2007 World Cup semi-final? He has a total of 411 runs in the 15 matches and has a Champions Trophy average of 34.25.
Muttiah Muralitharan: Undoubtedly one of the best spin bowlers in the world in any form of cricket, Muralitharan, continues to torment the best of batsmen with the turn and zip in his deliveries. Murali is overall the highest wicket-taker in Champions Trophy with a total of 23 wickets at a bowling average of 16.43 and a best of 4 for 16.
FULL SQUAD: Kumar Sangakkara (captain & wicket-keeper) Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Dammika Prasad, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilina Kandamby, Thilan Thushara, Thilan Samaraweera, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga.
ICC Champions Trophy
Sri Lanka 206/3 (36.0 overs)
South Africa
South Africa won the toss and elected to field
Drinks
Sri Lanka 206/3 (36.0 overs)
South Africa
South Africa won the toss and elected to field
Drinks
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